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Updated: May 24, 2026
Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: March 14, 2025
Characterizing insula functional connectivity alterations in obsessive-compulsive disorder: from parcellation and
Lingxiao Cao1,2, Hailong Li1,2, Jiaxin Jiang3
1Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Institute of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves altered insula connectivity, particularly in the anterior region, which correlates with symptom severity. This study highlights localized brain changes rather than widespread gradient shifts in OCD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Brain Imaging
Background:
- The insula is a key brain region integrating sensory, affective, and cognitive functions.
- Its complex connectivity patterns are not well understood in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate functional connectivity (FC) alterations within the insula in individuals with OCD.
- To differentiate between localized subregional changes and large-scale gradient shifts in insula FC.
Main Methods:
- Utilized functional connectivity (FC) analysis in 92 medication-free OCD patients and 90 healthy controls.
- Employed discrete parcellation and continuous gradient approaches to analyze insula connectivity.
- Performed diagnosis-by-subregion factorial ANOVA to identify group differences.
Main Results:
- OCD patients exhibited distinct FC alterations in anterior and posterior insula subregions.
- Specifically, increased anterior insula FC and decreased posterior insula FC were observed.
- Anterior insula connectivity with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex negatively correlated with obsession severity.
Conclusions:
- Insula FC alterations in OCD are localized to specific subregions, not a global gradient shift.
- Anterior insula dysconnectivity is a significant feature of OCD, linked to obsessive symptoms.
